The Kwara State Police Command has launched a discreet investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the umbilical cord and placenta of a newborn at the Government Cottage Hospital in Iloffa, Oke-Ero local government area. The incident, involving the baby of Mrs. Williams C.B.A, occurred last Sunday.
Currently, five health workers are in custody at the General Investigation Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ilorin. The detained suspects include Nurse Rukayat Adeloye, Nurse Aishat Awolusi, Nurse Peace Alabi, Ward Attendant Toyin Adewunmi, and Doctor Ajibola. They were detained late Thursday afternoon following initial interrogations.
Efforts to resolve the controversy at local levels failed, prompting a transfer of the case to the state police headquarters in Ilorin. Community elders intervened to calm angry youths who threatened to burn down the hospital on Tuesday.
In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, the distressed mother, an English teacher at Orofa High School, Odo-Owa, recounted her ordeal. She described how she was attended to by Nurse Adeloye and later delivered the baby in the presence of three hospital staff: Nurse Alabi, Nurse Adeloye, and Ward Attendant Mrs. Toyin. During the delivery, a fourth woman, who claimed to be on duty, joined the team.
Mrs. Williams detailed how Nurse Alabi handled the umbilical cord and placenta, placing them in a labeled nylon bag, which was then put inside a carton beside the delivery couch. The following morning, Mrs. Williams realized the placenta was missing. Despite her attempts to locate the attending staff and the doctor’s assurances, the placenta could not be found.
Her frustration grew as the hospital staff appeared evasive. Eventually, Mrs. Williams and her family reported the incident to the Iloffa police station, leading to an interrogation of the hospital staff. With no resolution in sight, the case was escalated to the police command in Ilorin.
Mr. Rufus Santa, the father of Mrs. Williams, expressed suspicion of foul play and urged a thorough police investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice.
Confirming the incident, Kwara State Police Command spokesperson Ejire Adeyemi Toun stated that the investigation is ongoing.
